Its branding emphasized romantic sails, history, and sea breeze experiences. The vessel’s operations positioned it as more than a boat ride—it became an event: sunset cruises with live music, moonlight sails, holiday “Nights of Lights” cruises where the ship was adorned in thousands of lights.
The Freedom’s appeal lies in this dual role: heritage vessel and leisure platform. As one review put it, “a family-owned and operated vessel… we’ve been sailing since 2001… love, grit and honor is poured into every crevice.”
In doing so, the schooner became woven into the cultural and commercial fabric of St. Augustine’s tourism economy.
Technical Features and Sailing Experience
Understanding the Freedom’s technical specifications helps explain why it remains effective as a charter vessel. As detailed earlier, the vessel is steel-hulled with aluminum spars, 76-foot sparred length, 64-foot deck length, beam 15′4″ and draft 6′.
Classified as a Class B tall ship by the U.S. Coast Guard, certified for passenger service under Subchapter “T” for carrying up to 41 passengers.
These features offer stability, visibility for passengers, and safety. The rigging—a gaff-rigged topsail schooner—echoes 19th-century cargo schooners. Guests participate: they may help raise the mainsail, watch lines being handled, and feel the wind in the sails. Reviewers note glimpses of dolphins, estuary views, and the historic waterfront seen from the deck.
The sailing experience connects passengers not only to the city’s history but to the sea itself. shutdown123